Lewiston schools consider redistricting proposal

LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- For the last ten years, Lewiston schools have seen such a large population growth that the elementary schools cannot sustain it under current district lines, according to Lewiston Superintendent Bill Webster.

That's why Webster has proposed a redistricting that would send about 230 students to different elementary schools.

"There are few issues less emotional than redistricting," said Webster, describing the parent phone calls his office has received since the plan was announced.

The proposal would, in effect, distribute the district's poorest students and English Language Learners throughout the district's six elementary schools, instead of keeping them in a concentrated area.

"We've had growing enrollment for the last 10 years or so, so some schools are bursting at the seams," said Webster.

He said some schools have open classrooms, while others are running out of space.